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Entrepreneurship can feel like a lonely endeavor—but it doesn’t have to be.
Maybe you’ve hit a huge milestone in your business, but when you looked around, there wasn’t anyone there to truly celebrate with. Or maybe you’ve scrolled through post after post of smiling groups, thinking Where do I even start to find my people?
Loneliness is a real issue, especially for women entrepreneurs. Our bandwidths are already stretched so thin, juggling a thousand roles, managing our businesses, and trying to maintain the few friendships we do have. Building new connections can feel like just one more thing on an overflowing to-do list. But here’s the thing: you don’t have to go it alone.
What if the key to thriving in life and business wasn’t about doing it all yourself, but about creating a circle that lifts you up? A group of people who support you, inspire you, and help you grow in ways you never thought possible.
In today’s episode, we’re talking about how to stop doing it alone—how to build meaningful relationships, find like-minded people, and nurture those connections even when life feels overwhelming. I’ll share personal stories, like my fan-girl moment with Amy Porterfield that turned into a life-changing friendship, and give you actionable tips to start forming your own circle of support.
If you’ve ever felt like you’re cheering for everyone else but no one’s cheering for you, this episode is your reminder to prioritize connection. Because when we surround ourselves with the right people, incredible things happen. Let’s dive in!
Be the One to Go First
Have you ever been to an event where everyone stays at surface level? You show up hoping to connect, but instead, it feels like a performance—everyone is putting their best foot forward, pretending life and business are all figured out.
But then, someone cracks. Someone lets down their guard, and suddenly, the room shifts. People open up, deeper conversations happen, and real friendships are born.
Here’s my challenge for you: be the one to go first. Whether you’re in an online community, a mastermind, or sitting across the table at a coffee shop, show up as a learner, not as a know-it-all.
Be honest about what you’re struggling with. When you lead with authenticity, you create a space for others to do the same. Real relationships are built when we stop pretending and start showing up as our true selves.
Engage with People You Admire
One of my closest friendships started with a podcast. Before Amy Porterfield was my friend, she was my mentor-from-afar. I listened to her podcast religiously, became a student of her work, and engaged with her content.
Over time, I started showing up in her Q&As, commenting on her posts, and eventually, sliding into her DMs (yes, I made the first move!). Years later, we are voice-memoing each other every day about everything from marketing to nutrition plans.
The lesson here? Relationships aren’t built overnight. They take time, consistency, and genuine interest. Identify someone you admire—maybe it’s a business peer, a local entrepreneur, or someone you follow online—and start engaging with their content in meaningful ways.
Send encouragement, celebrate their wins, and let them know their work matters. You never know what might come from it.
Shift from Competition to Collaboration
At the start of my photography business, I fell into the trap of thinking everyone else was competition. I compared websites, scrutinized pricing, and convinced myself there wasn’t enough room for all of us.
But the moment I shifted my mindset from scarcity to abundance, everything changed. I started connecting with other photographers, referring clients, sharing insights, and suddenly, business felt less lonely and more fun.
If you’re feeling isolated in your industry, take the first step. Reach out to someone doing similar work and open the door for collaboration. A simple “Hey, I love what you’re doing—would you be up for a coffee chat?” can be the start of a game-changing relationship.
Make Local Connections
It took me a long time to make local friends after moving back to Minnesota. With a new baby, a demanding business, and a serious introverted streak, I struggled to put myself out there. But once I did? Everything changed.
My local friendships have become a lifeline—weekly hot yoga classes, playdates, birthday parties. These connections make life richer.
So, how do you meet people? Attend community events, join a fitness class, volunteer, or even show up at school fundraisers (that’s how I met my group of friends!). Be willing to say yes and strike up conversations. You never know where your next great friendship will come from.
Invest in the Right Rooms
One of the biggest game-changers in my career? Joining a mastermind.
Back in 2017, I made my first major investment in getting into a room filled with like-minded entrepreneurs. And let me tell you—hearing people openly declare goals like “I want a six-figure month” blew my mind. It stretched my thinking and challenged me to dream bigger.
And the best part is that some of the relationships I built in that room are still in my life today!
If you want to be surrounded by people who inspire and challenge you, seek out the right rooms. Join a mastermind, attend a conference, or even hop into a free Facebook community. Opportunities to connect are everywhere—you just have to take the initiative to show up.
Final Thoughts
Alright, friend, as we wrap up today’s chat, here’s the deal: building a supportive community isn’t just a nice-to-have—it’s a need-to-have. Those real, authentic connections? They’re the ones that will give you the encouragement, fresh ideas, and opportunities you need to grow.
So here’s your nudge: reach out to someone you admire, swap the competition mindset for collaboration, and invest in the relationships that matter.
Your journey doesn’t have to be a solo mission. Surround yourself with people who get you, who push you, and who celebrate you. That’s when the magic happens. Remember: the connections you start building today could totally change your tomorrow.
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